Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Cool Stuff!

I recently had the opportunity to visit a house that was filled with cool and interesting things. The owner, Susan, is someone I've known for a very long time, but we know one another through the various stores she has owned or worked at over the years so this was my first time visiting her beautiful home.

When I told Susan we wanted to feature her home in the regional publication I write for, she said that I needed to come take a look to see if it was really something we would be interested in. If there is one thing I've learned over the last 10 years about writing home stories, it's that when someone says their house may not be something I'm interested in, it will be everything I hoped for and so much more!

Susan has had previous homes featured in national magazines, so she's no stranger to putting her house on display. But she described the home she shares with her wonderful husband Don, as eclectic, quirky, and something that has developed over time with several major additions. Hello?!...eclectic, quirky, added on to, these are all words that are music to my house loving ears!

Because the magazine story hasn't gone to print, I can't give you a full tour of their gorgeous and conversation worthy house, but I can give you a peek at some of the very cool accessories and antiques that fill it.

Susan has been collecting antiques for years. She started going to flea markets and antique auctions as a teenager. One of her passions is collecting children's furniture and old spice cabinets like the ones pictured above.

Everywhere you turn there is something wonderful to look at and admire. I was like a kid in a candy store as Susan took me from room to room. Even their everyday kitchen utensils are made more special by being stored in this old stoneware cottage cheese crock!

Susan has a great affinity for things that help her feel connected to the people and places from her past. This wonderful schoolmaster's desk came from a local one room schoolhouse that was attended by her grandfather.

This gorgeous antique hand carved box was once used to store circus equipment as they moved from town to town. I love the folk art design and the beautiful original green paint.

And what about this handsome chest of drawers?! The mellow patina, original hardware, and inlaid keyholes make it simply breathtaking!

A charming boat model sits atop a beam salvaged from an old local lodge. Steamboats where a main source of transportation along the waterways of Maryland up until the 1930's. The little folk art cabin pictured in the background came from a local estate sale Susan attended years ago. While I was at her house, I was trying to figure out if she would notice if some of these very cool pieces went missing! ;-)

Antique baskets sit on, and beneath this lovely old church pew which was saved from the scrap heap. It came from one of the most historic churches in Maryland and even has Roman numerals on it! I can just imagine the ladies, gents, and children sitting on it, all dressed in their Sunday finery listening intently to the Priest's sermon!

Tucked under a spiral staircase that leads to a sleeping loft are more examples of Susan's collection of miniature furnishings. I love how she has them displayed with the tiny pieces of pottery and baskets. On the wall are antique cross stitch samplers.

In Susan and Don's bedroom is a beautiful Victorian high back bed. The ornate carving is made from Oak and Walnut. Gorgeous!

Also in the master bedroom is a beautiful antique hand painted, marble topped dresser. It's so delicate and feminine looking, and is the perfect compliment to their stunning bed!

Not a single space in this house was overlooked when it comes to being beautifully appointed, and Susan and Don's master bath is no exception. The vanity is hand carved with a pine cone motif which echos all of the tall pine trees which surround their home. Susan opted to have a window over her sink instead of the traditional mirror so that she could enjoy the impressive water views and glorious sunsets beyond. It also gives her a spot to display some of her treasures, like the sea glass she and their grandson often find on their walks along the beach!

I hope all of you have enjoyed your sneak peek into this amazingly beautiful home! I'd like to thank Susan and Don for letting me poke around their wonderful oasis, and I can't wait to show you more in a later post!

Her house is so pretty, and interesting, and cozy, and ... I could go on and on. Thanks for showing us the photos. By the way, I think you have the best job ever - going to see pretty houses and writing about them! Lucky you.

I hope your daughter is getting her strength back and recovering well.

Thank you for posting this wonderful sneak preview. You shared some very beautiful images of wonderful pieces and clever design concepts ... definitely a magazine-worthy home! I also enjoyed hearing your insights on selecting homes to feature in the publication you write for. Interacting with the homeowners/collectors must be a fascinating process. Hope the rest of your week goes well!

Wow what a beautiful home with gorgeous pieces!! I love that church pew with the antique baskets, and what a gorgeous staircase!! Thank you for letting us have a sneak peek, I hope you can show us more of this beautiful home once the article comes out!

Thanks for the wonderful sneak peek preview of Susan's home. I especially love the view from the spacious tub, coupled with the unusual antiques throughout the house. Can't wait to see the full layout.

About Me

I am a mom to 2 wonderful children, wife to an amazing husband, loved by 2 fluffy puppies, a freelance writer, fine art photographer, and a lover of all things beautiful which I hope to share with you here on my blog.